Fluid Dynamics

These flashcards cover the fundamental concepts and vocabulary related to fluids, fluid dynamics, buoyancy, pressure, and relevant principles in physics.

Density

The mass of an object divided by its volume, represented by the symbol rho (ρ).

Buoyant Force

The upward force exerted by a fluid on a submerged object, equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Archimedes' Principle

States that the buoyant force on a submerged object is equal to the weight of the fluid the object displaces.

Pascal's Law

States that pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished in all directions throughout the fluid.

Hydraulic Lifts

Devices that use incompressible fluids to multiply force, based on Pascal's Law.

Berni's Equation

An equation relating pressure, velocity, and height in fluid dynamics: P1 + 1/2 pv1^2 + pgh1 = P2 + 1/2 pv2^2 + pgh2.

Specific Gravity

The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of water, often used to compare densities of liquids and solids.

Hydraulic Advantage

The ratio of output force to input force in a hydraulic system, indicating how much force a hydraulic system can multiply.

Fluid Flow Rate

The volume of fluid that passes a particular point in a system per unit of time, often expressed in cubic meters per second.

Mass Flow Rate

The mass of a fluid that passes through a given surface per unit of time, given by the product of density, area, and velocity.

Atmospheric Pressure

The pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere, approximately 101,300 Pascals at sea level.

Gauge Pressure

The pressure of a fluid measured relative to atmospheric pressure; it excludes atmospheric pressure in its measurement.

Hydraulic Pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid in a hydraulic system, used to transmit force and energy.

Fluid Dynamics

The study of fluids (liquids and gases) in motion, encompassing principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluid flow.

Continuity Equation

An equation stating that for an incompressible fluid, the mass flow rate must remain constant from one cross-section of a pipe to another.

Flow Velocity

The speed at which a fluid flows in a given direction, with implications for pressure and energy in fluid dynamics.

Compressible Fluid

A fluid whose density can change significantly when pressure and temperature are altered, typically gases.

Incompressible Fluid

A fluid whose density remains nearly constant regardless of pressure changes, typically liquids.

Kinetic Energy (in fluids)

The energy possessed by a fluid due to its motion, calculated as 1/2 mv^2 where m is mass and v is velocity.

Potential Energy (in fluids)

The energy stored in a fluid due to its height relative to a reference point, calculated as mgh where g is gravitational acceleration.

Bernoulli's Principle

In a flowing fluid, an increase in velocity occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or potential energy.

Specific Gravity Calculation

Specific gravity is calculated by dividing the density of a substance by the density of water at a specified temperature.

Hydraulic Equation

An equation relating the pressures before and after a hydraulic lift, demonstrating energy conservation in hydraulic systems.

Pressure Change in Fluids

Pressure within a fluid varies with changes in velocity and elevation based on Bernoulli's principle and energy conservation.

Upward Lift Force

The force generated on an object when the pressure beneath it is greater than the pressure above it, often seen in aerodynamics.